F-1 Public · Michigan
Rochester Community Schools
More than 75 varsity teams, 25 AP courses and 180 electives in a Detroit suburb ranked among the best places to live — for those who want to try everything.
- F-1 visa
- High school diploma possible
- From age 14
Rochester fact sheet
Key facts
- Location
- Rochester, Michigan
- Arrival airport
- Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County (DTW)
- Size (pupils)
- 14,881 in the district
- Climate
- Temperatures from -7 °C to 26 °C
- High school diploma possible
- yes
- Semester possible
- no
- Minimum ELTiS
- No minimum score required
- Age
- 14 to 17 years old
- School year 2027-2028
- $36,550
- Checked on
- 14 October 2026
A week in Rochester
In the morning, an AP computer science class or a STEAM pathway, in a district whose results exceed national averages. In the afternoon, ice hockey, skiing, lacrosse or swimming, among 75 varsity teams and 90 junior varsity teams. On Tuesday, the Rochester Alliance of Theatrical Students, the investment club or robotics. On Thursday, the mountain bike team or the yoga club. At the weekend, the Rochester Christmas parade, one of the biggest in Michigan, Oakland University a few minutes away and Detroit not far. From -7 to 26 °C.
Three things you won't find anywhere else
- 25 AP classes, 180 electives and STEAM pathways.
- More than 75 varsity teams, including ice hockey and skiing.
- A town in CNN's top 100 best places to live.
Courses, sports and clubs in Rochester
- 78 courses
- 17 sports
- 17 clubs
- Best-stocked subject: Arts (16 courses)
Courses, by subject
Mathematics
- Calculus (AP)
- Statistics
- Computer science (AP)
- Computer science principles (AP)
- Programming
- Geometry (Honors)
- Algebra (Honors)
- Pre-calculus (Honors)
Science
- Biology — standard · AP
- Chemistry — standard · AP
- Environmental science (AP)
- Physics (AP)
- Anatomy and physiology
- Astronomy and geology
- Forensic science
- Microbiology and genetics
- Pathology
- Physical science
- Veterinary science
Humanities
- Human geography (AP)
- Macroeconomics (AP)
- Microeconomics (AP)
- Psychology
- United States government (AP)
- United States history — standard · AP
- World history (AP)
- American government
- Current affairs
- Economics
- International relations
- Philosophy
- Sociology
- World geography
English
- English language and composition (AP)
- Literature and composition (AP)
- 20th-century literature
- Creative writing
- Exploring literature
- Language and literature (Honors)
- Introduction to film and screenwriting
- Literature of the strange and mysterious
- Multimedia communication
Languages
- Chinese
- French
- German
- Spanish
Arts
- Studio art (AP)
- Exploring 2D art
- Exploring 3D art
- Drawing and painting
- Photography
- Video production
- Ceramics
- Graphic design
- Choir
- Concert band
- Guitar
- Marching band
- Music theory
- Symphony orchestra
- Wind ensemble
- Theatre
Options
- Accounting
- Business functions and operations
- Business computing
- International business
- Marketing and advertising
- Small business and entrepreneurship
- Web and social media development
- Architecture
- 3D modelling (CAD) and animation
- Technical design
- World cuisines
- Fashion design
- Interior design
Sports, season by season
Autumn
- Cross-country
- American football
- Soccer
- Tennis
- Sideline cheerleading
- Golf
- Swimming and diving
- Volleyball
Winter
- Basketball
- Ice hockey
- Skiing
- Swimming and diving
- Wrestling
- Competitive cheerleading
Spring
- Baseball
- Golf
- Lacrosse
- Track and field
- Soccer
- Softball
- Tennis
Clubs
- Art Club
- Music Honor Society
- Computer science
- Debate
- Robotics
- Investing
- Photo
- Rochester Alliance of Theatrical Students
- Science Olympiad
- Key Club
- Anime
- Chess
- Dungeons and Dragons
- Rochester mountain bike team
- Yoga
- Dance team
- Diversity and social justice
Rochester compared with other districts
Calculations based on the published prices of the districts on this page that show a package; same prices, same results.
| Package | Price | Rank | Difference from the median |
|---|---|---|---|
| School year 2027-2028 | $36,550 | no. 30 of 59 | at the median ($36,550) |
- Within the same state (Michigan): ranked 2 of 2 districts for the school year.
- Compared with Jenison: $1,150 more per year.
- The cheapest district on the list is Newcomb ($23,900): this district costs $12,650 more (53%).
- Within the same state (Michigan), the cheapest is Jenison ($35,400): this district costs $1,150 more (3%).
Rank: from cheapest (no. 1) to most expensive, among the districts showing a price in the same currency. The median is the price in the middle of the list.
Frequently asked questions about Rochester
How much does the school year cost in Rochester?
$36,550 for the 2027-2028 year. This price includes tuition, the host family and local supervision.
Is Rochester expensive compared with other districts?
Around the average: ranked 30 from cheapest of our 59 districts, at the median price ($36,550). Within the same state (Michigan), it ranks 2 of 2.
Can I go to Rochester for just one semester?
No, Rochester only accepts pupils for the full school year.
Can I earn the American diploma in Rochester?
Yes, the American diploma is possible in Rochester.
How old do I need to be to go to Rochester?
Between 14 and 17 years old.
Which airport do I fly into for Rochester?
Via Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County airport (DTW).
Sophie knows Rochester as if she lived there.
The district's high schools, sports by season, the town, the climate, things to do at the weekend — and the same for the 58 other districts. Ask her, she compares for you.
The district covers 227 hectares of property over 170 km². State-of-the-art sports facilities and an outstanding media centre. All three high schools are equipped with cutting-edge technology and modern classrooms.
Daily life there
Rochester is a northern suburb of the Detroit metropolitan area, known for its Christmas parade, one of the biggest in Michigan. The town is in CNN's Top 100 best places to live and among U.S. News & World Report's "10 best places to learn throughout life". More than 26 major universities are in south-east Michigan, and Rochester is a few minutes from Oakland University, Rochester College and Oakland Community College.
More districts to explore
- Jenison High SchoolJenison, Michigan
- Charlotte-Mecklenburg SchoolsCharlotte, North Carolina
- Jeffco Public SchoolsGolden, Colorado
Rochester: does it appeal to you?
Ask for a quote, or put your questions to Sophie: she knows the 59 districts and their conditions.